really I would only say there are 5 superstars in the league. Chris Bosh and Melo were on the cusp but never broke through, and are now buried, either on crappy teams (Toronto) or under a pile of talent (Denver).

Thing is we are about to see the official passing of the torch. I think this is the last year for elite, superstar level production from both Duncan and Garnett, next year I think the miles will catch up to them. Paul, Wade, James and Howard will stay superstars regardless of what happens, but there are about 4-5 players that could join them (Roy, D-Will, Bosh, Melo, Durant) depending on what happens next year during free agency. Kobe will remain a superstar for at least 2-3 years, but I think he will start dropping off after that point.

It’s interesting when we look back at the superstars from older decades, who has remained a household name, and who’s name has faded with time. From the 80’s LB and Magic are easy picks, but other than that it is pretty slim pickings. Clyde, Malone, Stockton, Barkley, etc all became stars through the end of the 80’s and into the mid-90’s, but were they superstars? Perhaps, when viewed through the perspective of their eras, but when compared to the NBA as it is today, that period seemed to have a dearth of true superstars, guys who really became global icons outside of Michael, Larry, and Magic.

There are a number of possible explanations for this perceived lack of talent (assuming you agree with the principle argument I presented). MJ was so sensational, so dominant that to some degree he suffocated the rest of the league as far getting attention from the rest of the world. He became a global icon, and the shadow he cast blanketed anybody else from reaching that type of status, at least until Shaq came along. I think we have seen 3 eras thus far, the era of Magic/Bird, the era of Michael,and the era of Shaq/Duncan/K*be. Now we are moving towards the 4th era. Looking back, MJ’s waning years and the approaching twilight of K@be’s career couldn’t appear more different. Air Jordan was the only show in town when he came back from baseball, whereas K@be is close to being pushed out by guys like LeBron and Paul as the most popular player in the world.